New mom VA-10

DrPreast

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2014
Messages
7
Hello,
My DS just received word Fri that he received the AROTC SCHOLARSHIP for VMI and GMU. The same day we received the MOC nomination from Frank Wolf for the USMA. He also has an application in at USCGA. We also just received the paperwork for DODMERB and have started to make the required appts. In my research on these boards I was surprised to just find out that Accutane was a med DQ. It appears that he has to be off 8 weeks for clearance so that's the path we are on which would end 3/21. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Drpreast:smile:
 
Just my humble opinion: Do not underestimate the wonderful experience your son will have at either of those schools with an AROTC scholarship. My son was at the top of his class, had no medical DQs, a phenomenal athlete, fully involved in community and school programs, leadership positions, and nominations from two sources when he was a senior in High School. In my mind, there was no way he shouldn't get into any service academy. He also received a NROTC scholarship. We, he, everyone thought the NROTC scholarship would just be plan "B". Well, he wasn't admitted to the academies to which he applied. As it turns out, plan "B" was and is the greatest experience of his life. He goes to a great school on full scholarship, has more leadership opportunities, can interact with regular students on a daily basis, and still follow a regimen that is as demanding and rewarding as any academy. Bottom line: pursue the scholarship as vigorously as you pursue an academy acceptance. DoDMERB, the academy acceptance process, and plain and simple fate/luck, along with connections (no one wants to admit) can make the acceptance to an academy impossible for even the best candidates. (Look at how many cadets were dismissed from the USNA and USAFA for lack of character issues just this past year). The road to leadership and success is there for your DS in the form of an AROTC scholarship. USCGA is also a great institution. The medical DQ might make chances for academy acceptance a problem, unfortunately. A record number of applications along with financial difficulties for the families of wonderful candidates has made the process of acceptance very very difficult and they are finding any reason to overlook potentially great leaders, in my opinion. So, my advice, don't lose touch with what is already there: an AROTC scholarship. You can accept the scholarship and, if the academy acceptance works out, decide not to take the scholarship. That happens quite often.
 
I am familiar with someone who was on Accutane, went off, had a report from the MD saying he was OK without it and is now at USNA. It is definitely waiverable but, as always, depends on individual circumstances. Be sure to consult with your MD before stopping the treatment.
 
Thank you! We do feel incredibly blessed with either option. I firmly believe that he will end up where he is meant to be.
 
merkurios - The postings above are from 6 years ago:wiggle:
 
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